In the dispute between Amazon and Hachette, neither side is blinking. Amazon has been discouraging sales of books published by Hachette in an effort to make the publisher come to terms on a new contract for e-books. The confrontation has dominated the news. Amazon has been heavily criticised for using writers as pawns, although it also has its defenders.

Amazon has increased the pressure on Hachette by refusing to let customers order future books. Since advance orders are used to determine print runs, even the biggest books will be affected. Amazon is about a third of most publishers' physical sales, presumably including Hachette. Amazon's competitors are trying to seize the advantage. Walmart.com, for instance, is promoting Hachette titles at 40% off, and said that its online book sales had jumped as a result.

Many Hachette authors have weighed in. James Patterson was vehement in his criticism of Amazon. But there was one voice that was notably absent: that of Malcolm Gladwell, author of David and Goliath, The Tipping Point and other extremely popular books. Amazon has trimmed or eliminated the discount on most of his books or added weeks to the shipping time, or both. In Germany, Gladwell is published by Bonnier, whose books Amazon is also discouraging shoppers from buying.

In his first interview on the clash, Gladwell did not quite say he felt betrayed by Amazon, but said he was "puzzled" by its actions. Excerpts:

You've been silent since this story broke.

I was initially asked by Hachette to give them some time to negotiate. It's easier when things are not being hashed out in the press. But several weeks have passed, so maybe it is appropriate for me to say something.

Let's hear it.

It's sort of heartbreaking when your partner turns on you. Over the past 15 years, I have sold millions of dollars' worth of books on Amazon, which means I have made millions of dollars for Amazon. I would have thought I was one of their best assets. I thought we were partners in a business that has done well. This seems an odd way to treat someone who has made you millions of dollars.

What is happening to your sales?

They have been profoundly affected. Where Amazon used to sell two copies, now it sells one. It's a pretty big decline.

Why is Amazon doing this?

I'm not privy to the negotiations. But it's puzzling. Authors like James Patterson and JK Rowling drive millions and millions of people to the Amazon site, where presumably they buy everything else Amazon is selling. Why would Amazon turn around and bite the hand that feeds them?

Some people think Amazon is hoping to drive a wedge between you and Hachette, so you sign your next book with someone else — or even with Amazon itself. Then, the theory goes, Hachette will be weak and Amazon can get the contract it wants.

That strategy is too counterintuitive even for me. I don't think human beings reward those who hurt them. If Amazon wanted me to do something in their interest, I imagine they would do something in my interest. This isn't.